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This present study investigates an eco-friendly electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material developed using cellulosic fiber and apple peel extracted biocarbon for safe electronic applications. The primary aim is to study how the biomass derived biocarbon influences in the wave shielding phenomenon. The fiber and filler both used from waste biomass which promotes circular economy and amine functionalization on both fiber and filler brings the novelty to this research. Further, the prepared composite under hand layup process is further assessed as per ASTM standards. Results revealed that due to the addition of surface modified cellulosic fiber and even dispersion of biochar particle into composite enhance mechanical, dielectric, EMI shielding effectiveness of the composite material. Thus, when compared to the plain vinyl ester resin (V), the amine functionalized cellulosic fiber reinforced composite material (V0) shows improved tensile, flexural and impact strength of 125 MPa, 151 MPa, and 4.1 J respectively. Further, the addition of biochar particle of 3 vol.% into the composite (V2) shows improved hydrophobicity behavior of 107° contact angle and the composite V2 further enhanced the tensile, flexural, impact strength of the composite of 145 MPa, 189 MPa, 5.1 J respectively. Moreover, the increase in biochar of 5 vol.% in to the composite (V3) shows effective dielectric loss of 0.28 in E band and 0.45 in J band. Furthermore, the composite under (V2) of 40 vol.% fiber, and 3 vol.% biochar shows maximum EMI shielding effectiveness of 8 dB in E band and 40 dB in J band, when compared to the 40 vol.% of fiber reinforced composite (V0) of EMI shielding effectiveness 9 dB in E band and 55 dB in J band respectively. Thus, this effective EMI shielding effectiveness, dielectric strength and load carrying capacity, impact strength and cost effective, light weight nature makes the composite material to be utilized in high signal protection applications, sensor, navigational devices, and various electric and electronic gadgets, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a silane-treated sunn hemp fiber in a polyester resin and rubber seed husk cellulose toughened Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene honeycomb core were used to create a high-toughness, sudden energy-absorbing, environmentally sustainable composite. Materials include polyester resin, sunn hemp fiber, silane-treated cellulose derived from rubber seed husks, and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide as a catalyst. Using a fused deposition modeling printer, the honeycomb structure is manufactured. The composite materials were created by hand layup and post-cured for 48 h at 120 °C. The cured composites were then characterized in compliance with the American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines. The incorporation of 30% sunn hemp fiber and 10% ABS considerably improves the composites' fatigue behavior, impact resistance, and mechanical properties. According to the results, the composite containing 4.0 phr of silane-treated cellulose is noteworthy for achieving maximum values of 5.8 J for Izod impact, 209 MPa for flexural strength, 7.7 GPa for tensile strength, and 8.24 GPa for flexural modulus. In a comparable way, the composite RAC5 with a 4.0 phr cellulose content generated a maximum fatigue count of 27,841 for 25% of UTS throughout its fatigue cycles. Significant improvements were observed in the thermal stability, with the decomposition temperatures rising as high as 541 °C. The inclusion of reinforcements treated with silane resulted in improved bonding with polyester resin, as confirmed by the SEM study. According to the study's findings, these composites, which are distinguished by their excellent performance, low weight, and durability, have prospective uses in the automotive, sports, construction, and UAV industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the creation of high degree biocomposite with the utilization of renewable resources, including cardanol oil, palm kernel fiber and chitosan biopolymer. The principal aim of this research was to achieve high degree ratio of biocomposite for safe and eco-friendly application. The chitosan biopolymer was extracted from marine waste sea urchin spikes via deproteination. The biocomposites were prepared via hand layup technique following testing via ASTM standards. According to results, among the composites fabricated, PC5 exhibits exceptional mechanical strength with tensile strength of 88.2 MPa, flexural strength of 133.35 MPa and impact energy of 3.92 J. Therefore, PC6 composite performs better wear resistance with reduced coefficient of friction of 0.399 and Sp. wear rate of 0.01 mm3/Nm, respectively. And also, PC6 provides good thermal resistance with initial decomposition temperature of 345 °C. Similar to mechanical properties, in fatigue behavior also PC5 exhibits high fatigue life cycle counts with 19,647 for 25% UTS, 18,799 for 50% UTS and 17,571 for 75% UTS. The obtained results show that the inclusion of palm kernel fiber and chitosan significantly enhances the mechanical properties, wear and thermal resistance of the composites, while the cardinal oil binder ensures proper adhesion. However, thermal aging conditions were implemented to assess the material's ability to withstand harsh environmental factors. Notably, among the composite materials tested, the designations with chitin (such as PC4, PC5, and PC6) exhibited lesser susceptibility to the effects of thermal aging. This resilience is attributed to the presence of NH2 functional groups within chitin, which play a role in reducing the impact of thermal aging. These discoveries highlight the promising qualities of the developed polyester biocomposites, suggesting their suitability for a wide array of industrial applications requiring materials capable of enduring high-temperature environments such as automotive door panels, structural, space, defense and sports applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is a first-line therapy for pediatric Crohn's disease (CD), but protective mechanisms remain unknown. We established a prospective pediatric cohort to characterize the function of fecal microbiota and metabolite changes of treatment-naive CD patients in response to EEN (German Clinical Trials DRKS00013306). Integrated multi-omics analysis identified network clusters from individually variable microbiome profiles, with Lachnospiraceae and medium-chain fatty acids as protective features. Bioorthogonal non-canonical amino acid tagging selectively identified bacterial species in response to medium-chain fatty acids. Metagenomic analysis identified high strain-level dynamics in response to EEN. Functional changes in diet-exposed fecal microbiota were further validated using gut chemostat cultures and microbiota transfer into germ-free Il10 -deficient mice. Dietary model conditions induced individual patient-specific strain signatures to prevent or cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like inflammation in gnotobiotic mice. Hence, we provide evidence that EEN therapy operates through explicit functional changes of temporally and individually variable microbiome profiles. [Display omitted] • EEN induces remission in patients with pediatric Crohn's disease • EEN creates temporally and individually variable microbiome profiles • Medium-chain fatty acids link EEN to changes in the microbiota of CD patients • Protective microbiota functions are validated in chemostat and gnotobiotic models Häcker et al. showed that exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) creates temporally and individually variable microbiome profiles. They showed that medium-chain fatty acids link EEN to changes in the microbiota of CD patients. Finally, protective microbiota functions were validated in transfer model systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Results Conclusion Electron beam irradiation treatment is a novel technology that uses low‐dose ionizing radiation for the treatment of crops or food to enhance their quality. This study investigated the effects of electron beam irradiation on the microstructure, physicochemical properties, and bioactive compounds of areca nuts.As the irradiation dose increased, the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content in the areca nuts decreased significantly, whereas the polysaccharide and pectin content increased gradually. The hardness, chewiness, and adhesiveness of areca nuts reached their lowest values when the irradiation dose was within the range of 6–9 kGy, indicating that irradiation effectively reduced the hardness of the areca nut fibers. The decrease in crystallinity led to the formation of loose structures in the fibers upon irradiation, thereby improving their water retention, expansion, and oil‐holding capacity, which are beneficial for the subsequent processing of areca nut‐based chewable products. The water‐ and oil‐holding capacities of the areca nuts peaked when the irradiation dose was within the 6–9 kGy range. Electron irradiation also affected the content of active substances in the areca nuts, particularly alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, showing an overall trend of initial increase followed by subsequent decrease.Electron irradiation was not only effective in softening the fibers but it also impacted the overall quality of the areca nuts significantly. The results provide valuable reference data for improving the quality of areca nuts through electron beam irradiation technology. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence on the benefits of fiber-supplemented enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill patients is inconsistent, and critical care nutrition guidelines lack recommendations based on high-quality evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) aims to provide a current synthesis of the literature on this topic. Methods: For this SRMA of randomized controlled trials (RCT), electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL) were searched systematically from inception to January 2024 and updated in June 2024. Trials investigating clinical effects of fiber-supplemented EN versus placebo or usual care in adult critically ill patients were selected. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Random-effect meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were conducted. The primary outcome was overall mortality, and one of the secondary outcomes was diarrhea incidence. Subgroup analyses were also performed for both outcomes. Results: Twenty studies with 1405 critically ill patients were included. In conventional meta-analysis, fiber-supplemented EN was associated with a significant reduction of overall mortality (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47, 0.92, p = 0.01, I2 = 0%; 12 studies) and diarrhea incidence (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51, 0.96, p = 0.03, I2 = 51%; 11 studies). However, both outcomes were assessed to have very serious risk of bias, and, according to TSA, a type-1 error cannot be ruled out. No subgroup differences were found for the primary outcome. Conclusion: Very low-certainty evidence suggests that fiber-supplemented EN has clinical benefits. High-quality multicenter RCTs with large sample sizes are needed to substantiate any firm recommendation for its routine use in this group of patients. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023492829. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscles are crucial for balance and walking, activities which depend specifically on the lower extremity muscles. Therefore, the evaluation of stroke induced atrophy and paralysis is essential; however, determining the extent of damage in the days after its occurrence remains challenging. In this study, we evaluated ischemic stroke-induced soleus muscle damage in gerbils using synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-computed tomography (SR-µCT), comparing a control group (n = 3), animals 7 days after stroke (7 d, n = 3), and animals 14 days after stroke (14 d, n = 3). The left muscle was paralyzed, whereas the right muscle was not. Subsequently, we quantified the assessment by segmenting the soleus muscle based on the extracellular space/matrix and fiber region to determine the degree of damage. The muscle fiber-to-extracellular space/matrix ratio were significantly damaged due to paralysis on the left side (control vs. 14 d, P = 0.040). Muscle area was significantly different at 14 d between the left and right sides (P = 0.010). Additionally, the left local fascicle surface area, thickness, global pennation angle, and local fascicle angle were significantly different between the control and 14 d groups (P = 0.002, P = 0.007, P = 0.005, and P = 0.014 respectively). These findings underscore the potential of post-stroke animal studies in improving rehabilitation treatment for the central nervous system by assessing the degree of muscle recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects 30 million Americans. Previous epidemiologic work has shown that diet can impact pulmonary function in those with and without COPD. Diet is also a major driver of gut microbiome composition and function. Importantly, the gut microbiome has also been associated with lung health (i.e., the gut-lung axis) in both preclinical and clinical studies. Despite this growing body of evidence, many questions remain regarding the gut-lung axis. Specifically, how the microbiome impacts the relationship between diet factors and spirometry or stage of disease in people with COPD is little understood. We hypothesize that there are taxonomic differences in the gut microbiome among the different stages of COPD and that diet microbiome interactions influence pulmonary function. This study aimed to identify how the GI microbiota correlated with the severity of respiratory disease in COPD patients and how the microbiome may mediate the relationship between diet, including fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, and lung function outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the enhancement effects and mechanisms of steel, glass, and polypropylene fibers on the mechanical properties of concrete, aiming to guide the selection of suitable fiber types and dosages for shotcrete projects. Through laboratory tests, numerical simulations, and field experiments, it investigated the enhancement laws of flexural and compressive strengths of concrete with different dosages of these three fibers. Results showed: (1) After 28 days of curing, flexural strength peaked with 2.0% steel, 1.5% glass, and 2.0% polypropylene fibers, increasing by 118.6%, 42.86%, and 138.6%, respectively, over plain concrete. Compressive strength increased by 2.13%, 10%, and 18.3% at optimal dosages of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% for steel, glass, and polypropylene fibers. Fiber effects on compressive strength were less significant than on flexural strength, with polypropylene fibers outperforming the others. (2) Based on ABAQUS numerical simulations, microscopic analysis indicates that fibers, due to their high yield capacity, enhance the connections between concrete elements, reduce stress concentration, and improve the mechanical properties of concrete. (3) For shotcrete, 2.0% polypropylene fibers were preferred due to high flexural strength and reduced agglomeration. (4) The optimal dosage was applied to a mine's wet shotcrete support, effectively controlling tunnel deformation. These findings provide practical guidance for shotcrete applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous catalysis plays a pivotal role in the current chemical and energy vectors production. Notably, to fully utilize the intrinsic activity and selectivity of a catalyst, the chemical reactor has to be designed and operated optimally to achieve enhanced heat/mass transfer, well-defined contact time of reactants, uniform flow pattern, and high permeability. Structured catalysts are a promising strategy to overcome the major drawbacks encountered in the traditional packed-bed reactor technology due to the improved hydrodynamics in combination with enhanced heat/mass transfer. Newly emerged fiber/foam-substrates, with an entirely open 3D network structure, bring distinct advantages over the honeycomb and micro-channel contacting methods, including free radial diffusion, eddy-mixing driven heat/mass transfer, large area-to-volume ratio, and high contacting efficiency. However, how to place the nanocatalysts onto the fiber/foam-substrates is a challenging problem because the commercial washcoating method has great limitations such as the nonuniformity and easy exfoliation of coatings. This review discusses the newly developed non-dip-coating methods for the fiber/foam-structured catalysts and their promising applications in the strongly exo-/endo-thermic and/or high throughput reaction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Supplementation with the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety fructans is a feasible treatment option for functional constipation (FC). However, its effects on colonic function have not yet been studied. This study assessed whole gut transit time (WGTT) and regional transit time using a wireless motility capsule (WMC) before and after supplementation with different fiber treatments in patients with FC. Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on data collected from a randomized, double‐blind clinical trial comparing agave fructans with psyllium plantago. WGTT, regional transit time, contractility, and pH were measured using WMC before and after fiber supplementation. Comparisons were performed using nonparametric tests. Key Results: Twenty patients with FC were evaluated, with a median age of 39 (25–54 years), and 18 (90%) were women. Five patients were included in each intervention group. There were no changes in WGTT or regional transit times between the groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no differences in the changes experienced by regional or general contractility among the groups (p > 0.05). The cecal pH profile did not differ between the groups before and after fiber supplementation (p > 0.05). The percentages of clinical responses and consistency of bowel movements between the groups were similar. Conclusions & Inferences: FC presents a clinical response to a fiber challenge, regardless of the administered intervention. However, this response was not associated with improvement in contractility or regional transit time. We speculate that there are other mechanisms by which fiber consumption may improve FC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, geopolymers (GMs) were produced using basalt fiber, polyamide fiber, and polypropylene fiber-reinforced and ground blast furnace slag (GBFS) waste ceramic powder (WCP). In the initial phase of the study, the optimal ingredient proportions were identified, and an ideal geopolymer was selected based on its highest compressive strength. Subsequently, at the second stage of the study, various fibers with differing proportions were incorporated into the ideal geopolymer, and the resulting properties were evaluated through laboratory testing. In the third stage, the optimal GMs were determined through a holistic approach, employing a multi-criteria decision-making method. A total of ten mixtures, comprising 23 properties (230 parameters in total), were subjected to a multi-criteria decision support method (TOPSIS). The optimal GM mixture with the proportions and suitable components was identified. The findings indicated that a 20% substitution of WCP with GBFS resulted in an optimal and cost-effective mixture in a 10 M NaOH solution, serving as a reference point or ideal unreinforced mixture in this research. With regard to the addition of fibers, all three types of fibers were observed to enhance the compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength of the WCP–GBFS-based GM. Maximum compressive strength was observed to be 60.15 MPa, while the flexural strength was 12.98 MPa and the splitting tensile strength was 3.45 MPa for the polyamide fiber (PA)-reinforced GM. Furthermore, all reinforced GMs exhibited enhanced abrasion resistance, with the inclusion of polypropylene fibers yielding the best results. Additionally, these fiber-reinforced GMs demonstrated significant resistance to high temperatures, even as temperatures increased. The TOPSIS results indicated that PA0.8 was the optimal GM, and its components with suitable components were recommended as a sustainable net zero/low CO2 emission building material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Multifunctional bioactive biomaterials with integrated bone and soft tissue regenerability hold great promise for the regeneration of trauma-affected skin and bone defects. The aim of this research was to fabricate aerogel scaffolds (GD-BF) by blending the appropriate proportions of short bioactive glass fiber (BGF), gelatin (Gel), and dopamine (DA). Electrospun polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)-BGF fibers were converted into short BGF through calcination and homogenization. Microporous GD-BF scaffolds displayed good elastic deformation recovery and promoted neo-tissue formation. The DA could enable thermal crosslinking and enhance the mechanical properties and structural stability of the GD-BF scaffolds. The BGF-mediated release of therapeutic ions shorten hemostatic time (<30 s) in a rat tail amputation model and a rabbit artery injury model alongside inducing the regeneration of skin appendages (e.g., blood vessels, glands, etc.) in a full-thickness excisional defect model in rats (percentage wound closure: GD-BF2, 98 % vs. control group, 83 %) at day 14 in vitro. Taken together, these aerogel scaffolds may have significant promise for soft and hard tissue repair, which may also be worthy for the other related disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding behavior of a flexible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite fabricated using betel nut husk biocarbon and steel microwire in the E, F, I, and J band spectrum. The incorporation of steel microwire into the PVA based composite is novel approach since it provides flexibility along with good mechanical strength. The fabrication process involves the solution casting method, and the composite is characterized according to American society of testing and materials (ASTM) standards. The research focuses on analyzing dielectric behavior, EMI shielding effectiveness, and mechanical properties. Results indicates that, the composite with 5 vol.% of biocarbon and 5 vol.% of micro metal wire, exhibits exceptional relative permittivity of 7.6, 6.9, 6.3, and 1.5 for E, F, I, and J frequency bands and same composition delivers exceptional electromagnetic shielding with total shielding values of 17.7 dB, 25.5 dB, 31.7 dB, and 38.6 dB for E, F, I, and J frequency bands. In mechanical characteristics, composite with 5 vol.% of biocarbon and 5 vol.% of micro metal wire, exhibits high tensile strength of 73 MPa with lower elongation percentage of 109.2% and shore‐D hardness of 40, respectively. Thus, the inclusion of betel nut husk biocarbon and steel microwire into the PVA matrix enhanced the overall EMI shielding properties along with mechanical properties. These flexible EMI shielding composites could be used in applications such as defense, telecommunication, drones, and electronic gadget making segments. Highlights: Flexible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite is made with steel microwire and betel nut husk biocarbon.Biocarbon is derived from betel nut husk for first time and used as EM wave absorber.Composites were made via simple solution casting method for high flexibility index.Composite contains 5 vol.% biocarbon and 5 vol.% micro metal wire, shows high relative permittivity 7.6 for E frequency bands.The composites have high tensile strength of 73 MPa with a low elongation percentage of 109.2% and a shore‐D hardness of 40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Improved architectures of artificial muscles for exoskeletal locomotion, undersea drone propulsion, walker vehicles, physical augments, and prosthetics. This paper presents a novel approach to enhancing the performance of artificial muscle fibers by incorporating air gaps within the bulk dielectric material. Building on previous models, the COMSOL simulation was developed to investigate the effects of varying the inner ligament width ('w3') and air gap width ('w2') on force production. Results indicated that an air gap width of 50 µm is optimal, balancing improved force output with manufacturability constraints. A longitudinal array sweep was conducted to determine force density saturation in long fiber arrays, comparing the gap model with a traditional non-gap model. The gap model demonstrated superior performance, achieving higher force densities and better energy efficiency. The inclusion of air gaps reduced overall weight, enhanced flexibility, and improved the force-to-weight ratio, making the design particularly suitable for applications in prosthetics, exoskeletons, and soft robotics. These findings suggest that the air gap design represents a significant advancement in artificial muscle technology, offering a practical and efficient solution for various biomedical and robotic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body odorants typically transfer to clothing fabrics by way of liquid sweat, yet investigations of odor retention in textiles often neglect this route of exposure in their test procedures. This paper describes a novel method for transferring selected odorous volatile organic compounds to six types of textile fibers in yarn bundle form by an aqueous sweat solution. Headspace volatile organic compounds varying by chemical class (ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids) were monitored at discrete time intervals (30 min, 3 h, 24 h) using proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry. Lower intensities of ketones and aldehydes were detected in the headspace above cellulosic fibers (cotton, mercerized cotton, viscose) than above wool, nylon, and polyester fibers at 30 min. A rapid decrease in ketones occurred for all fibers, but lower intensities of ketones were released after 3 h for cellulosic and wool fibers. Nylon fibers typically released the highest amounts of ketones and aldehydes at 30 min, but by 24 h higher intensities of these compounds were released from polyester. Carboxylic acids exhibited minimal differences in intensities between 30 min and 3 h, with few differences evident among fiber types. Understanding the preferential sorption of odorants when clothing is exposed to volatile organic compounds in aqueous solutions such as sweat is enhanced from the results of this investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemp fiber, recognized for its eco-friendliness, wide availability, and biodegradability, stands as a renewable resource with promising applications. To fully harness its potential, it is crucial to study the relationship between chitosan concentration and both the mechanical and thermal properties of hemp fiber. Understanding these effects can provide a direction to improve the properties and functionalities of hemp fiber, which are essential for many applications, including textiles and construction and automotive materials. Chitosan is known to enhance the antimicrobial and adsorption properties of fibers by changing the chemical properties of the fiber surface. However, up to now, a very limited number of studies have focused on the exact effect of chitosan on the mechanical and thermal stability properties of hemp fibers. Here, the effect of treatment with different concentrations of chitosan solutions is investigated to enhance the properties of hemp fibers and the treated hemp fibers are characterized. It is found that chitosan solution treatment can effectively improve the various properties of hemp fibers. The chitosan treatment improved the surface roughness of hemp fibers. The tensile strength and flexibility of hemp fibers were enhanced. The CSHF-1.5% sample exhibited the highest tensile strength of 616.11 MPa and the lowest tensile modulus of 15.61 GPa. The fiber swelling rate increased to 24.73% at a chitosan solution concentration of 1.5%. The results of thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of chitosan solution treatment in enhancing the thermal stability of hemp fibers. These findings propose a promising method for a significant modification of hemp fiber's mechanical and thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid composites made of natural fibers are replacing composites made of synthetic fibers, which is better for the environment. In this study, a Cotton/Corn Hybrid Composite was prepared using compression moulding and evaluated the Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) process variables on surface quality. The AWJM investigations were conducted using experimental design approaches, with variables including water pressure, nozzle transfer speed, and standoff distance. Among these variables, it was determined that nozzle transfer speed had the most influential impact on surface quality. The optimal machining parameters P2, s1, and d1 were identified, resulting in a surface roughness of 4.459 μm. This demonstrates that accomplishing better surface quality is attainable through the suitable parameter selection. Further, the prediction model's efficiency was validated by establishing a strong relationship between the experimental, predicted, and validated surface roughness values. This highlights the model's reliability in predicting and optimizing surface quality in the AWJM process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spread was prepared using blends of virgin coconut oil (VCO), trans-free fat (TFF), whey powder, coconut fiber, emulsifiers, and flavors. Curcumin was added in micro quantities to provide a natural color. The samples formulated were tested for their spreadability, texture, and phase separation. The samples were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, such as color, texture, rheological characterization, and storage stability. The results showed that the formulated spread had moisture of 2.10%, protein of 9.23%, fat of 67.35%, ash of 4.56%, crude fiber of 11.2%, total carbohydrate 10.12%, and the values of peroxide, and percentage of free fatty acids were well below the acceptable levels during storage periods. The samples showed a phase separation after one month of storage at 38 °C. However, no separation was observed when stored at 4 °C and 27 °C. The spreads showed shear-thinning behavior, were solid at 4 °C, and were spreadable at 27 °C and flowy at 38 °C. DSC analysis indicated that the sample was solid below 9.63 °C and liquid over 20.57 °C. The spread was rich in lauric acid (26.01%), palmitic acid (28.26%), and trans fatty acid (Elaidic acid) was not detected. Based on the texture and sensory results, a 50:50 blend of VCO: TFF showed good spreadability. Sensorily, the products showed higher overall acceptability scores. The developed spread has an abundance of fiber, protein, and health-promoting factors from VCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and development of efficient microwave-absorbing and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials and structures to conceal electromagnetic (EM) waves remains a consistent and challenging task. Despite advancements in materials science and microwave engineering, there is a need for optimized materials that offer both effective microwave absorption and EMI shielding while minimizing material layer thickness. This research aims to address this gap by utilizing the firefly algorithm (FFA) to predict the optimal medium properties and thickness of microwave-absorbing and EMI shielding materials under specific constraints. In this context, a comprehensive investigation was carried out at the X-band involving numerical and experimental EM characterization of novel lightweight fiber-based samples. Additionally, the FFA has been applied to optimize these fiber-based microwave structures within the given constraints. Two separate objective functions (OBF) targeting minimum sample thickness, maximum microwave absorption, and shielding effectiveness (SE) bandwidth have been integrated into the FFA to address the thickness–bandwidth trade-off issue. Subsequently, resistive ink-coated glass fiber (IGF) and ink-coated mesh fiber (IMF) were developed and characterized based on the optimal solutions provided by the FFA. Consequently, an optimized IMF sample provides a minimum reflection coefficient (RC) of −19.0 dB at 10.7 GHz with a bandwidth of 2.8 GHz (9.6 to 12.4 GHz) below the −10 dB threshold. Besides, the optimal IGF sample achieves maximum SE of 11 dB at thickness of only 0.8 mm and covers the entire operating band. Furthermore, the response of the proposed structure was assessed for various oblique angles of incidence, revealing significant potential for various practical applications. A strong correlation between measured and theoretical findings underscores the potential of the proposed approach in realizing efficient microwave stealth and EMI shielding materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the mechanical properties of composites focusing on tensile, flexural, compression strength, Izod impact toughness, hardness, fatigue life, creep resistance, and drilling behavior. The approach involves extracting nano-biosilica from sorghum husk and infusing it with silane-treated kenaf fiber under temperature aging conditions to enhance composite materials' properties. The reinforcement consists of kenaf fibers (34.2–43.2 µm in diameter) and nano-biosilica prepared from sorghum millet husk via a thermochemical method. Silane treatment enhances the adhesive bonding between the matrix (vinyl ester resin and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide in a 10:1 ratio) and reinforcing agents. Composite fabrication employs a hand layup method with varying concentrations of biosilica (1 vol. %, 3 vol. %, and 5 vol. %) and kenaf fiber. Notably, specimens N2 and M2 exhibited superior performance, with N2 achieving tensile strength of 101 MPa, flexural strength of 123 MPa, compression strength of 159.9 MPa, Izod impact toughness of 4.9 kJ/m2, and hardness of 98 Shore-D. Even after undergoing aging at 40 °C and 70% humidity for 30 days, M2 demonstrated remarkable durability to the silane treatment of both fiber and filler with tensile strength of 85 MPa, flexural strength of 117 MPa, compression strength of 143 MPa, Izod impact toughness of 4.2 kJ/m2, and hardness of 95 Shore-D. SEM analysis revealed uniform dispersion of filler particles in N2 and M2, highlighting the effectiveness of the silane treatment in enhancing microstructural characteristics and durability. This research underscores the potential of silane-treated kenaf-fiber- and nano-biosilica-reinforced vinyl ester composites for applications requiring enhanced mechanical properties and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The good combination of high strength and high toughness is a long‐standing challenge in the design of robust biomaterials. Meanwhile, robust biomaterials hardly perform fast and significant mechanical property changes under the trigger of light at room temperature. These limit the application of biomaterials in some specific areas. Here, photoresponsive alginate fibers are fabricated by using the designed azobenzene‐containing surfactant as flexible contact point for cross‐linking polysaccharide chains of alginate, which gain high mechanics through reinforced plastic strain and photo‐modulating mechanics through isomerization of azobenzene. By transferring molecular motion into macro‐scale mechanical property changes, such alginate fibers achieve reversible photo‐modulations on the mechanics. Their breaking strength and toughness can be photo‐modulated from 732 MPa and 112 MJ m−3 to 299 MPa and 27 MJ m−3, respectively, leading to record high mechanical changes among the developed smart biomaterials. With merits of good tolerance to pH and temperature, fast response to light, and good biocompatibility, the reported fibers will be suitable for working in various application scenarios as new smart biomaterials. This study provides a new design strategy for gaining highly‐strong and highly‐tough photoresponsive biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the most prevalent liver disease in overweight and obese children. While no cure exists, dietary and lifestyle modifications have been shown to improve the condition. This study investigates the relationship between fructose and fiber consumption, physical activity, and NAFLD in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 378 overweight and obese children aged 6–13 years. NAFLD diagnosis was confirmed via ultrasound, and dietary intake was assessed using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Physical activity was evaluated using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ). Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to determine the associations. Results: After excluding 53 participants due to incomplete data, 325 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 9.2 ± 1.7 years, and 35% had NAFLD. No significant association was found between fructose intake and NAFLD (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.35–1.29, P = 0.221). However, higher intake of legume fiber (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26–0.90, P = 0.03) and nut fiber (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28–0.95, P = 0.04) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD. Physical activity showed a trend towards reduced NAFLD risk but was not statistically significant after adjustments (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.22–1.04, P = 0.07). Conclusions: While fructose intake was not significantly linked to NAFLD in this population, fiber from legumes and nuts appeared protective. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the role of physical activity in NAFLD prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological and mechanical mismatches between engineered scaffolds and native tissues poses widespread challenges for tissue restoration. Native‐like anisotropy is a critical characteristic for functional tissue replacements, yet it is an often‐overlooked aspect when designing new scaffolds. In this study, fiber‐reinforced tubular scaffolds are developed, mimicking the anisotropic characteristics of natural tissues, using native‐like silk fibroin. To predict the mechanical behavior of these innovative scaffolds, a mathematical model is employed, utilizing the properties of the scaffolds’ constituent materials, and experimentally validated through tensile testing. This approach addresses significant challenges in the design of new scaffold implants by enabling to efficiently predict the performance of several configurations, narrowing down the experimental research space. The proposed platform constitutes an appealing tool for the development of clinically relevant tissue‐equivalents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization for hydrogen storage properties of Mg-based alloy is mainly restricted by coarse α-Mg grains and uneven catalytic phases. In this study, a strategy of melt-spinning rapid solidification is proposed to fabricate one-dimensional Mg 97 Ni 2 Y 1 alloy fiber with submicron-sized α-Mg grains and uniform microstructure. After heat treatment and activation process, ultrafine Mg 2 Ni and YH 2 phases are in-situ generated and uniformly distributed. The results indicate that 5.24 wt% H 2 is absorbed at 305 °C in 30 min, higher than the as-cast alloy powder of 4.49 wt% H 2. Meanwhile, the dehydrogenation rate is accelerated at lower temperatures. Based on the DSC curve, the hydrogen pumping effect in the fiber alloy powder is more significant, reducing the dehydrogenation temperature of MgH 2. The fiber alloy powder absorbs more hydrogen in stage 1, leading to enhanced hydrogenation kinetics. The uniform and refined microstructure formed by the rapid-solidified fiber is the key factor for enhanced de-/hydrogenation properties. • Submicron α-Mg grains are formed in Mg–Ni–Y alloy fiber by melt-spinning. • Nano Mg 2 Ni and YH 3 multiphases are uniformly precipitated by H-induced reaction. • The F-powder absorbs 5.24 wt% H 2 at 305 °C since more absorbed H 2 in stage 1. • The initial decomposition temperature of F-powder hydrides is reduced to 243.8 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most common disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). The management of CC requires specific skills due to its complex and multifactorial pathophysiology and its multistep treatment. The aims of this study were to evaluate the availability and the use of diagnostic tools for CC in Italy and the therapeutic management of CC by Italian gastroenterologists (GEs). Methods: A survey was conducted during the 28th meeting of the Italian Federation of Digestive Disease Societies (FISMAD; Rome, Italy, 11–14 May 2022). The survey explored the presence of a clinic dedicated to DGBIs, the availability and the use of specific diagnostic tools, the routine use of digital rectal examination (DRE), and the therapeutic approach to CC by Italian GEs. Results: The survey was taken by 236 GEs. The most significant results were that 42% of respondents had a clinic dedicated to DGBI in their institute; DRE was regularly performed by 56.8% of GEs when evaluating a CC patient; young GEs (≤40 years) performed DRE less frequently than older ones (p < 0.001); anorectal manometry was available to 44.3% of GEs; balloon expulsion test (BET) was available to 19.1% of GEs; GEs with a clinic dedicated to DGBI had more frequent access to anorectal physiology testing (p < 0.001); diet and lifestyle advice were the most frequently prescribed treatments; and fiber and macrogol were the second and third most prescribed treatments, respectively. Conclusions: The survey provides an interesting picture of CC management by Italian GEs. The results are in line with previous data collected about 10 years ago among Italian GEs ("CHRO.CO.DI.T.E study"); DRE is still rarely performed by Italian GEs (particularly by young GEs). The availability of anorectal physiology testing is still limited, and BET, which could be easily performed in everyday clinical settings, is rarely performed. Lifestyle suggestions, macrogol and fiber are the preferred treatment, as recommended by all guidelines. These results will be useful to identify as yet unmet educational needs and critical issues to improve CC management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Cotton fiber (Gossypium hirsutum) serves as an ideal model for investigating the molecular mechanisms of plant cell elongation at the single‐cell level. Brassinosteroids (BRs) play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development. However, the mechanism by which BR influences cotton fiber elongation remains incompletely understood. In this study, we identified EXORDIUM‐like (GhEXL3) through transcriptome analysis of fibers from BR‐deficient cotton mutant pagoda 1 (pag1) and BRI1‐EMS‐SUPPRESSOR 1 (GhBES1.4, encoding a central transcription factor of BR signaling) overexpression cotton lines. Knockout of GhEXL3 using CRISPR/Cas9 was found to impede cotton fiber elongation, while its overexpression promoted fiber elongation, suggesting a positive regulatory function for GhEXL3 in fiber elongation. Furthermore, in vitro ovule culture experiments revealed that the overexpression of GhEXL3 partially counteracted the inhibitory effects of brassinazole (BRZ) on cotton fiber elongation, providing additional evidence of GhEXL3 involvement in BR signaling pathways. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that GhBES1.4 directly binds to the E‐box (CACGTG) motif in the GhEXL3 promoter region and enhances its transcription. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that overexpression of GhEXL3 upregulated the expression of EXPs, XTHs, and other genes associated with fiber cell elongation. Overall, our study contributes to understanding the mechanism by which BR regulates the elongation of cotton fibers through the direct modulation of GhEXL3 expression by GhBES1.4. Significance Statement: Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cotton fiber elongation is crucial for improving fiber yield. This study reveals that the EXORDIUM‐like gene (GhEXL3) positively regulates fiber elongation in response to brassinosteroids (BRs). By demonstrating that GhBES1.4, a key BR signaling transcription factor, directly activates GhEXL3, we provide insights into how BR signaling pathways influence fiber growth. These findings enhance our understanding of BR‐mediated fiber development and offer potential targets for genetic improvement in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber gel dye‐sensitized solar cells (FGDSCs) are recognized as an effective solution for high‐performance, durable and safe wearable power supply. However, poor and unstable interfaces between fiber electrodes and gel electrolytes are bottleneck problems that have restricted the photovoltaic performances of FGDSCs and their stabilities during deformations. Here, an FGDSC with stable interlaced interfaces is designed by incorporating polymerized gel electrolyte into the aligned channels in fiber electrodes and the gaps between photoanode and counter electrode in situ. The interlaced structure of gel electrolyte in FGDSC improves the interfacial stability and provided stable channels for rapid ion diffusions, offering efficient charge transports at interfaces. The resulting FGDSC thus produced a high power conversion efficiency of 7.95%, and it is further maintained by over 90% after bending for 5000 cycles. These FGDSCs can be integrated with fiber batteries as a self‐charging power system, demonstrating an effective power solution for wearables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver diseases are among the most commonly diagnosed conditions, with the main risk factors being inappropriate lifestyles, including poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, low physical activity and smoking, including electronic cigarettes. Non-communicable chronic liver diseases also often develop as a result of accompanying overweight and obesity, as well as type 2 diabetes. Methods: The literature on risk factors for non-communicable chronic liver diseases, which show a high strong influence on their occurrence, was analysed. Results: Measures to prevent non-communicable chronic liver disease include the selection of suitable food ingredients that have proven protective effects on the liver. Such ingredients include dietary fibre, probiotics, herbs, various types of polyphenols and fatty acids (omega-3). Conclusions: Because of their liver-protective effects, nutritionists recommend consuming vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices that provide valuable ingredients with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. These components should be provided with food and, in the case of probiotics, supplementation appears to be important. As a preventive measure, a diet rich in these nutrients is therefore recommended, as well as one that prevents overweight and other diseases that can result in liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this research was to evaluate changes in body composition, adipokine levels, and dyslipidemia parameters in males with abdominal obesity following two distinct interventions: exercise alone and exercise combined with an ad libitum diet. Methods: This study included 44 males with abdominal obesity (mean age 34.7 ± 5.5 years, waist circumference [WC] 110.3 ± 8.5, BMI 32.0 ± 3.9), who were randomly assigned to three groups: an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise (II, n = 16), an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise combined with an ad libitum high-protein, low-glycemic index carbohydrate diet (III, n = 16), both interventions lasting 6 weeks, and a control group without interventions (I, n = 12). Body composition metrics (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], body fat [BF], abdominal fat [ABD]) and fat-free mass [FFM], along with biochemical blood analyses (irisin [IR], omentin [OMEN], glucose [GLU], insulin [INS], LDL- and HDL-cholesterol), were measured at baseline and after the 6-week intervention. The effects of the interventions on the analyzed variables across groups were assessed using mixed ANOVA tests with post-hoc comparisons. Effect size (ES) was also calculated using partial eta squared (ηp2). Results: The intervention in group III resulted in a significant decrease in IR (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.03) by 41% and LDL-C (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.02) by 14%. These effects were associated with a reduction in BF (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.02) by 14%, ABD (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.03) by 31%, and WC (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.01) by 3%. In group II, decreases after 6 weeks of intervention were noted only in WC (p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.01) by 1% and in INS (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.04) by 47%. No differences were found between groups. The use of low-glycemic index carbohydrates (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.06) and increased protein intake (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.30) led to changes in the fiber-to-energy value of the diet ratio (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.18) and a reduction in dietary energy value (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13) by 23%, resulting in a greater energy deficit than in the II group. Conclusions: These findings highlight the effect of combining dietary and exercise interventions to achieve significant changes in body composition and metabolic parameters, even over a short period of intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, hydrophobic polyester composites were made from cassava root cellulose (CRC) and twill-weaved banana fiber (TBF). The primary goal of this research was to develop a sustainable cellulosic material in micro dimension from the roots of the cassava plant and examine the load-bearing properties of composites made out of that. The cellulose-toughened banana fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composite was prepared using the hand layup method and cured in room temperature. It is observed that the load-bearing properties are improved with the addition of banana fiber and cellulose. The highest tensile strength of 137.3 MPa, flexural strength of up to 164.2 MPa, interlaminar shear strength of up to 5.87 GPa, Izod impact of up to 5.94 J, and hardness of up to 83 Shore-D were achieved for the composite made using 4 vol% of cellulose. Similarly, the composite had the lowest sp. wear rate of 0.011 mm3/Nm with COF of 0.171 for 4 vol% of cellulose addition. Moreover, all the composite designations were found to have a water absorption contact angle greater than 70°, indicating a retained hydrophobic nature. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) fractography demonstrated that 4 vol% CRC and TBF-reinforced polyester composites have superior bonding and durability. Finally, the thermal properties of composites revealed an improved set temperature of 424 °C in TGA as well as 82 °C in DSC for 4 vol% cellulose-added composite PCB3. These properties improved composites could be used in aerospace, automotive, military, and industrial sectors where higher mechanical strength, wear resistance, and hydrophobicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research study, a non-deformable, stiff electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material was prepared and characterized. The composites were prepared using industrial waste silver slag fine particles; woven abaca fiber and silk fabric with two different stacking order designated as ASSA and SAAS. The composites were created utilizing a hand layup technique and the American society for testing of materials (ASTM) standards were used to assess their performance. The findings showed that the abaca/silk/silk/abaca sequence of fibers had greater dielectric values. The ASSA2 composite designation was observed to have a maximum dielectric constant of 4.81. Similar to this, the ASSA2 configuration produced a total EMI shielding effectiveness of 56.85 dB at 20 GHz. Moreover, the ASSA2 composite configuration resulted in enhanced mechanical and hardness qualities. These mechanically hardened epoxy-based composites with increased EMI shielding could be employed in applications for radar, radomes, and the telecommunications industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric (TE) fibers are more suitable than films for portable or wearable devices. Herein, 2–3 nm thick poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layer‐coated tellurium nanowires (PC‐Te NWs) are in situ prepared by a hydrothermal method. Then a series of PEDOT: PSS/PC‐Te NWs composite fibers are prepared by wet spinning and post‐treatment. The nanolayer prevents the agglomeration of the Te NWs and makes the NWs and PEDOT:PSS matrix have good compatibility, which results in the PC‐Te NWs content to a high value of 70 wt% and the fibers still with flexibility. The high aspect ratio of the PC‐Te NWs and the stress from the inner wall of the needle during spinning make the NWs ordered align along the composite fiber. Due to the large content and orientational arrangement of the PC‐Te NWs, as well as effective post‐treatment, an optimized composite fiber shows a power factor of 385.4 µW m−1 K−2 at 300 K, which is ≈4.9 times as high as the highest value of previously reported PEDOT:PSS/Te NWs‐based composite fibers. In addition, the composite fiber has good flexibility. The flexible TE generators assembled have excellent output performance. This work provides an effective strategy for the preparation of high‐performance flexible TE composite fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp with high brightness can only be obtained if the lignin content in the unbleached pulp can be optimally removed. For this reason, enzyme and bleaching chemicals must be able to reach the cellulose-hemicellulose-lignin (CHL) structure in the Lignin Carbohydrate Complex (LCC) to peel the lignin molecule. Most research uses enzymes and bleaching chemicals without considering how they reach the CHL structure. This research deeply considered the penetration of enzymes and bleaching chemicals into the CHL structure through the pores in each fiber wall. The molecular sizes of enzymes and bleaching chemicals that must diffuse into the fiber structure and the molecular sizes of fiber pores that allow them to penetrate to reach the CHL structure are also considered. All these results are used to evaluate the normative results of the ECF bleaching of Eucalyptus Camaldulensis and Acacia Mangium Pulp. The results indicated that pore size significantly affected the achievement of a higher brightness of Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Pulp than Acacia Mangium Pulp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrates are the main macromolecule of poultry feed (40-70 %), categorized into digestible and indigestible forms. Poultry uses digestible carbohydrates to supply energy. Still, the indigestible part (water-soluble and nonsoluble) has different roles in anatomy, histology, water loss, bacterial microflora, mucosal health, normal secretions, feed transport time, and digestion rate in the gastrointestinal tract. Cereals (like corn), the carbohydrate source in poultry feed, can contain mycotoxins or water-soluble indigestible fibers; thus, some mycotoxin-free commercial products contain insoluble indigestible carbohydrates. In this study, the effect of micronized Lignocelluloses (Under trade name ARBOCEL®) was evaluated on calcium metabolism, eggshell quality, and performance of commercial Hy-Line W-36 layers. The results showed that the product had a good effect on the evaluated factors, but in some cases, there was not any significant effect that compared to other groups. However, it is better to evaluate the impact of using this product in various concentrations, ages, periods, heat-stress conditions, and digestive tract microflora disturbance, which is beyond the aim of this study and can be subject to subsequent researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Purpose: The quality, rather than the quantity, of carbohydrate intake may play a major role in the etiology of obesity-related cancers (ORCs). We assessed the association between a previously defined carbohydrate quality index (CQI) and the risk of developing ORCs in the "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" (SUN) cohort. Methods: A total of 18,446 Spanish university graduates [mean age 38 years (SD 12 years), 61% women, mean BMI 23.5 kg/m2 (SD 3.5 kg/m2)], with no personal history of cancer, were followed-up. Baseline CQI was assessed summing quintiles of four previously defined criteria: high dietary fiber intake, low glycemic index (GI), high whole-grain: total-grain carbohydrates ratio and high solid carbohydrates: total carbohydrates ratio. Participants were classified into tertiles of their total CQI. Incident ORCs were confirmed by an oncologist using medical records and by querying the National Death Index blindly to dietary exposures. Results: During a median follow-up of 13.7 years, 269 incident cases of ORC were confirmed. A higher CQI was inversely associated with ORC incidence [multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the upper (T3) versus the lowest tertile (T1) of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.47–0.96), p for trend = 0.047]. Particularly, higher dietary fiber intake was inversely associated with ORC, HRT3 vs. T1=0.57 (95% CI 0.37–0.88 p for trend = 0.013). Conclusion: In this prospective Mediterranean cohort, an inverse association between a better global quality of carbohydrate intake and the risk of ORCs was found. Strategies for cancer prevention should promote a higher quality of carbohydrate intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocellulose is a robust material with a broad spectrum of potential applications. Manufacturing nanocellulose has garnered greater interest recently and is currently the European economy's second-highest priority. It is possible to extract from plants' biomass using various methods, which are divided broadly into various categories. The kind of biomass, the desired qualities of the nanocellulose, and the production size all have a role in selecting the pretreatment and extraction process. Several pretreatment and extraction techniques for nanocellulose from plant biomass are covered in this review, along with the variables that affect method selection. Developing scalable, effective production processes for nanocellulose is crucial for commercializing technologies. The current processes to create nanocellulose are still somewhat inefficient, and industrial scale-up is challenging. Future studies are likely to focus on efficient, scalable techniques for reducing down cell walls from plants and lower-cost nanocellulose synthesis using clean energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was understood that various studies were carried out on the strength, permeability, durability, increasing the thermal performance of lightweight concrete facade panels, and sustainable and energy‐efficient concepts. It was observed that fiber was added to the mixture to improve the properties in question. However, it was determined that contradictory results were obtained due to the large number of active parameters and whether the fiber was distributed homogeneously in the matrix. In this study, the effects of fiber type, length and usage rate on the strength, energy absorption capacity, elasticity modulus, water absorption, and thermal performance of lightweight concrete mixtures were investigated. For this purpose, three different types of fibers of different lengths: polypropylene (3, 6, and 12 mm), glass (13 and 25 mm) and polyamide (6 and 12 mm) were used at 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% of the total volume. It was determined that the mixture containing 0.25% polypropylene fiber with a length of 3 mm exhibited the best performance in terms of both mechanical and thermal properties. In terms of these features, it was understood that the mixtures with 12 mm polypropylene with a usage rate of 0.75% and 6 mm polyamide fibers with a usage rate of 0.50% had the weakest performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lot of textiles are unearthed from the Yingpan site. The climate of Yingpan is dry so the colors of the unearthed textiles are well preserved which provides reliable samples for dye identification. These textiles provide important evidence of cultural and technical exchange on the Silk Road during the Eastern Han and Jin Dynasties. It is of great significance to clarify the spread and development of textile dyes silk fiber raw materials and weaving techniques on the ancient Silk Road in China which not only enriches the information database of ancient textile cultural relics but also provides scientific basis for the subsequent protection restoration and display of cultural relics. Eight silk samples from the Yingpan site in Xinjiang were selected for study. On the one hand the dye and fiber species were identified. On the other hand the places of origin of these fabrics were analyzed according to the dye and fiber varieties and the characteristics of yarns and fabrics. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry HPLCMS was used to identify dye varieties and fiber micro-morphological analysis and proteomics methods were used to identify silk fiber varieties. By identifying the varieties of dyes and fibers of the eight samples and combining the identification results with the analysis of the structural characteristics of yarns and fabrics three major conclusions were drawn. Firstly there are mainly two types of dyes for silk fabrics unearthed from the Yingpan site in this study the main colorants detected in the red dye are alizarin and purpurin indicating that the source of the dye is Rubia tinctorum the presence of berberine as the main ingredient in the yellow dye with small amounts of palmatine and pharmacophorine suggests that the source is Phellodendron chinense. Rubia tinctorum is native in Xinjiang while Phellodendron chinense is grown in Sichuan Hunan and Hubei provinces. The sources of these two dyes exhibit distinct regional characteristics which provides important reference for place origin analysis. Secondly in this study the fiber materials of fabrics unearthed from the Yingpan site are all mulberry silk being either domestic silkworm Bombyx mori silk or wild mulberry silkworm Bombyx mandarina silk. The domestic silkworm silk is used for the simple single-layer textiles such as spun silk twill and patterned silk with simple weaves. The cross-section of the microscopic morphology of the used silk is a regular triangle and the longitudinal morphology of the silk fiber is straight which is consistent with the morphology of modern silk. The wild mulberry silkworm silk is used together with domesticated silkworm silk for more complex textiles such as Jin-tape and embroidery pillows. The cross-sectional shapes of silk fibers used for red yarns in Jin-tape 95BYYM14 9 and embroidered pillow 99BYYM2 5 are slightly rounded at one end and pointed at the other end which are consistent with the morphology of modern wild mulberry silk. The protein identification of the red yarn also reveals that it has the characteristic proteins of the wild mulberry silkworm silk. Both domestic silkworm silk and wild mulberry silkworm silk are used on Jin-tape and embroidery pillow which provides evidence for the use of wild mulberry silk in Xinjiang area and also reflects the richness and diversity of silk textiles unearthed in Xinjiang. Thirdly it is speculated that the red yarns of sample Jin-tape 95BYYM14 9 and embroidery pillow 99BYYM2 5 in this study are dyed with Rubia tinctorum in Xinjiang while the yellow yarns are made of domestic silkworm silk from Sichuan Hunan and Hubei and they are likely to be dyed with Phellodendron amurense locally and then imported into Xinjiang for weaving. This suggests that silk technology in the Han and Jin Dynasties was transmitted not only through finished products but also through semi-finished products accompanied by improvements in textile techniques. The article uses micronondestructive analysis test techniques to scientifically identify the dyes and fibers of some fabrics unearthed from the Yingpan site in Xinjiang and combines the characteristics of the yarns and fabrics from multiple angles to infer the place of weaving. It provides new evidence and support for the study of the transmission of textile materials technologies and culture along the Silk Road in Xinjiang and the research on the development of textile techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: This study aimed to examine the association between Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI) and headache severity, disability and duration among women with migraine. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 266 women (aged 18–45 years) were enrolled using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). CQI was defined by four criteria: fiber intake, dietary glycemic index (DGI), whole grains/total grains ratio and solid carbohydrates/total carbohydrates ratio. Anthropometric measurements, visual analogue scale (VAS), migraine disability assessment (MIDAS), and headache duration were assessed for all participants. Results: Participants with a high adherence to CQI had lower odds of moderate pain (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.21-0.94; P = 0.03) and severe pain (OR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.18-0.82; P = 0.01) compared to those with a low adherence to CQI. After controlling for potential confounders, individuals with the greatest adherence to CQI showed a 78% reduced prevalence in severe pains and a 63% decreased occurrence in moderate pains compared to those with the lowest adherence (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.09-0.55; P = 0.01 and OR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.16-0.84; P = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, Subjects with higher adherence to CQI had lower odds of headache duration (OR = 0.54; 95% CI= 0.31-0.96; P = 0.03). The significant association remained (P < 0.05) even after confounding variables (OR = 0.59; 95 % CI = 0.35-1.002; P = 0.05). Despite adjusting for confounding valuables, there was no significant association between the CQI and MIDAS scores (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Higher adherence to CQI was associated with lower severity and duration in patients with migraine. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meniscus tissue is crucial for knee joint biomechanics and is frequently susceptible to injuries resulting in early-onset osteoarthritis. Consequently, the need for meniscal substitutes spurs ongoing development. The meniscus is a composite tissue reinforced with circumferential and radial collagenous fibers; the mechanical role of the latter has yet to be fully unveiled. Here, we investigated the role of radial fibers using a synergistic methodology combining meniscal tissue structure imaging, a computational knee joint model, and the fabrication of simple biomimetic composite laminates. These laminates mimic the basic structural units of the meniscus, utilizing longitudinal and transverse fibers equivalent to the circumferential and radial fibers in meniscal tissue. In the computational model, the absence of radial fibers resulted in stress concentration within the meniscus matrix and up to 800 % greater area at the same stress level. Furthermore, the contact pressure on the tibial cartilage increased drastically, affecting up to 322 % larger areas. Conversely, in models with radial fibers, we observed up to 25 % lower peak contact pressures and width changes of less than 0.1 %. Correspondingly, biomimetic composite laminates containing transverse fibers exhibited minor transverse deformations and smaller Poisson's ratios. They demonstrated structural shielding ability, maintaining their mechanical performance with the reduced amount of fibers in the loading direction, similar to the ability of the torn meniscus to carry and transfer loads to some extent. These results indicate that radial fibers are essential to distribute contact pressure and tensile stresses and prevent excessive deformations, suggesting the importance of incorporating them in novel designs of meniscal substitutes. The organization of the collagen fibers in the meniscus tissue is crucial to its biomechanical function. Radially oriented fibers are an important structural element of the meniscus and greatly affect its mechanical behavior. However, despite their importance to the meniscus mechanical function, radially oriented fibers receive minor attention in meniscal substitute designs. Here, we used a synergistic methodology that combines imaging of the meniscal tissue structure, a structural computational model of the knee joint, and the fabrication of simplistic biomimetic composite laminates that mimic the basic structural units of the meniscus. Our findings highlight the importance of the radially oriented fibers, their mechanical role in the meniscus tissue, and their importance as a crucial element in engineering novel meniscal substitutes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The purpose of this intervention was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an online weight loss program, EMPOWER, in rural, underserved communities. Methods: Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 living in rural counties were recruited through collaboration with University of Illinois Extension. The intervention lasted 1 year including online educations sessions, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, and diet and weight monitoring via a novel web application, MealPlot. Feasibility was measured by enrollment attainment, participant retention, online education session completion, and completion of anthropometric and dietary measures. Acceptability was measured by survey using Likert scales of satisfaction for all program components. Anthropometric measurements, 24-h dietary records, and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were measures of program efficacy. Additionally, two interviews were collected for program feedback. Results: Enrollment of 16 participants was attained, however due to higher than anticipated dropout (retention 62.5%, N = 10) at 3-months, 62.5% of the education sessions were completed and 75.0% of anthropometric and dietary measures. The average satisfaction rating for the comprehensive program was 4.2/5 with lowest satisfaction being the MealPlot web application 2.7/5 (N = 11). On average a clinically significant (≥5% baseline weight) weight loss of 6.2 ± 6.0% body weight or 5.7 ± 5.3 kg and improvements to protein and fiber intake at 12 months (N = 10) were observed. Conclusions: A novel online weight loss program showed adequate to strong feasibility and acceptability and preliminary results indicating efficacy among a pilot sample of rural residents. Future studies are required to investigate means of improving retention and reducing the burden on program collaborators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative splicing (AS) is a crucial post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism that contributes to proteome complexity and versatility in different plant species. However, detailed AS exploration in diploid cotton during fiber development has not been reported. In this study, we comparatively analyzed G. arboreum and G. raimondii AS events during fiber development using transcriptome data and identified 9690 and 7617 AS events that were distributed in 6483 and 4859 genes, respectively. G. arboreum had more AS genes and AS events than G. raimondii, and most AS genes were distributed at both ends of all 13 chromosomes in both diploid cotton species. Four major AS types, including IR, SE, A3SS, and A5SS, were all experimentally validated through RT-PCR assays. G. arboreum and G. raimondii had only 1888 AS genes in common, accounting for one-third and one-half of the total number of AS genes, respectively. Furthermore, we found a lysine-specific demethylase coding gene with a different AS mechanism in G. arboreum and G. raimondii, in which AS isoforms lacked part of a key conserved domain. Our findings may provide new directions for the discovery of functional genes involved in cotton species differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As dietary needs shift with the growing and aging population, there is a demand for food products that meet nutritional, safety, and tribological requirements while being cost-effective. Seniors must be given significant consideration in new product development. This study examines consumer preferences for arabinogalactan (AG) and beta-glucan (BG) hydrogels with vanilla and coffee-biscuit flavors, using consumer tests (N = 80) and an online survey (N = 852). It focuses on the gels' physical properties, such as texture and viscosity, and their impact on sensory perception. The use of two different gel-forming polysaccharides, each with a unique sensory profile, was observed to affect the sensory properties of the resulting gels and subsequently influence product acceptance. This study analyzed preferences across three age groups: young (18–39 years), middle-aged (40–59 years), and older adults (60+ years). The results showed that seniors preferred AG-based gels. Significant attributes such as the intensity of flavor and bitter taste influenced the overall liking of the gels. Texture also notably impacted preferences. The survey findings revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in preferences between older adults and younger age groups. Tailoring product development and marketing strategies based on age and sensory preferences could enhance consumer acceptance of edible gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LaAlO3 nanofibers are prepared using reproducible and green electrospinning technique. Particularly, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and acetic acid/water (A-A/W) were used as solvents. The structural and textural properties were compared. Results indicate that the diameter of as-spun nanofibers with (A-A/W) ranged from 50 to 400 nm. While it is between 100 and 600 nm for (DMF). After calcination, it decreased to an average of 80 nm for (A-A/W) and 200 nm for (DMF). Higher pore volume (0.69 cc g−1) and surface area (176.3 m2 g−1) were achieved for (A-A/W) solvent. The textural properties confirm that LaAlO3 exhibit high performances for advanced technologies mainly sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents micromechanical analyses of an orthogonally reinforced composite with new constitutive equations of kinematic plastic hardening. The homogenization of plastic properties was performed through a numerical analysis of a representative volume using the finite element method. A modification of Prager's theory was used to construct physical relations for an equivalent orthotropic material. In the proposed version of the theory, a special tensor for back stresses is introduced, which takes into account the difference in the rate of hardening for different types of plastic deformation. For boron–aluminum orthogonally reinforced composite with known mechanical properties of fibers and matrix, all material parameters of the theory were determined, deformation diagrams were constructed, and the equation for a plasticity surface in a six-dimensional stress space was obtained. The advantage of the developed method of numerical homogenization is that it only requires a minimal amount of experimental data. The efficiency of micromechanical analysis makes it possible to optimally design metal matrix composites with the required plastic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]